In the midst of all the excitement of planning for a new baby, many couples don't think ahead about the adjustments that parenting brings.
It is common for relationships to become tense in the first few months after a baby is born. Like other types of stress, the stress of caring for a new baby can build or damage a couple's relationship. A new addition to the family poses a number of challenges, including changes in roles, dealing with unfamiliar tasks, physical and emotional exhaustion, and shifting attention away from the partner and toward the baby. As a result of these challenges, open and caring communication among partners becomes essential.

Sexual Difficulties

Sexual difficulties are common after the birth of a baby. Such difficulties may include:

One or both partners feeling so tired that they have little
interest in sex

Defining Parental Roles

Parental roles have historically been clear and well-defined. Typically, the mother stayed home with the children and the father worked to support the family financially. In the majority of households today, this is no longer the case. Nowadays, both parents typically work, and as a result, parental roles are not as clear. This can often result in conflict and increased stress. Couples and families can reduce stress by taking the time to discuss and agree upon roles, responsibilities, and schedules. Discussion should be ongoing, since roles will change as parental responsibilities change.

Tips for New Moms

Accept that you will probably feel overwhelmed by your new
responsibilities. Most new mothers feel the same way.

At times, you will probably feel unappreciated, resentful,
envious, or even scared. Do not keep these feelings inside. Make time to
talk calmly and openly with your partner about how you are feeling
and to ask for help and emotional support.

Encourage your partner to help you care for your baby. Be supportive of his help, even when he does not do things the way you would like them done. Make it a point to thank him for helping and to tell him how much this means to you.

Look for the humor in your new experiences—it will help make
the rough times smoother.

Be sure that you and your partner schedule some regular time to
be together each day, even if it is not much.

Tips for New Fathers

Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Your partner
needs to know what you are feeling and how to help. At the same
time, your partner needs your support. If you want to talk, try to schedule
it at a time when your partner is not overwhelmed and exhausted
(such as after being up all night with a crying baby. It may be
best to schedule time to talk when the baby has gone to bed or
when someone else is watching
the baby. If you are feeling frustrated and stressed, talk about
your feelings instead of blaming or criticizing your partner.

If you are worried about finances and feel the need to work
longer and harder at your job, communicate this to your partner.
Although you may feel this pressure, it is important to balance work and home life until a routine is established. Try to work your normal day and go home to pitch in. Once things even out, you can discuss working longer.

It is normal to feel a bit awkward handling your new
baby. However, the more you participate in caring for your baby,
the easier it will get and the more comfortable you will feel.

Look
for opportunities to help out. Holding and cuddling your new baby
will help establish an important bond. Help your
partner with diaper changing and bottle-feeding, and be supportive
and encouraging if your partner decides to breastfeed.

If your
partner has been trying to comfort a crying baby for a while, offer
to hold and comfort the baby yourself, or help with some of the
other chores to ease your partner's burden. Keep in mind that your
partner may be feeling exhausted and unappreciated, especially
during the first 3 months. Find opportunities to relieve your partner's
burdens and be sure to show your appreciation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Roles Within the Family. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website. Available at:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Roles-Within-the-Family.aspx. Updated October 10, 2014. Accessed February 4, 2015.